On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Vladimir Putin during their meeting to move from war against Ukraine to a ceasefire. This is reported by Politico.
The meeting format was standard for bilateral negotiations at this level: Modi first called Putin a "friend" and mentioned the development of economic relations between India and Russia, then moved on to the issue of war.
Every day the war continues, humanity is effectively taking a step backward, while every step toward peace gives all of humanity real hope for peace. We need to move from endless war to a ceasefire.
Putin's Reaction
According to Politico's observations, during these words Putin appeared uncomfortable — looking at the floor and tapping his foot. Modi further reinforced his appeal by mentioning Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, emphasizing India's support for peace efforts.
Thank you sincerely, Prime Minister. We are moving forward on this path.
Putin's response remained at the level of diplomatic formality without specifics regarding steps or timelines.
Words and Trade Go Separate Ways
Modi's public appeal was not accompanied by any signal of willingness to use economic leverage. India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil and a key trade partner of Moscow — and these two facts directly finance the Kremlin's war machine.
Therein lies the real conflict: words about peace are spoken against the backdrop of contracts that sustain the war. As long as Delhi is not ready to combine rhetoric with economic pressure, Modi's appeal remains a symbolic gesture without tools of influence.
The question remains open: will growing pressure from Western sanctions on Indian oil imports become the factor that forces Delhi to move from words to action — or will India continue to balance between public calls for peace and private benefit from the war?
